Result: D.C. United 2 Chivas USA 2

A second lucky goal from a man who had never before scored during his MLS career gave Chivas USA an unprecedented draw this evening; never before had they come back from a two-goal deficit to snatch a point.

Defender Lawson Vaughn saw a 60th minute shot deflected into the net by the ankle of a leaping Clyde Simms to enable Chivas USA (12-6-3) to retain their undefeated home record. Sacha Kljestan had supplied the assist, his seventh of the season, putting him in a three-way tie for the second most assists in MLS (the Galaxy's Landon Donovan also has seven to put that into perspective a little).

A draw was a fair result on the game, but Chivas USA might have felt hard done by after Panchito Mendoza was called offside in stoppage time that replays showed was a harsh, if not incorrect, call. And that's a reflection of just how far this team has come.

Updated: Indeed, Chivas USA Coach Preki was more disappointed than relieved with the draw, suggesting than his team dominated the second half after United's quick start and missed more chances than D.C. created.

"I don't remember D.C. missing any chances," he said. "My guys showed a lot of character to come from 2-0 down against the best team in the league."

In fact, it was the first time Chivas USA had ever gotten a point against D.C. -- and they were upset it wasn't three.

"This referee I don't want to see ever again," said team co-owner Antonio Cue, referring to the fact Chivas USA had never gotten a win in a game Kevin Stott had officiated.

Kljestan, who is maturing rapidly as an attacking midfielder, was pleased with his contribution and the number of assists he has racked up this season.

"It means we're starting to attack better," he said. "It's going to be on my shoulders to create more from midfield and I'm starting to do that now."

Chivas USA's Sacha Kljestan, right, battles D.C. United's Bryan Namoff
at Home Depot Center Thursday night. Photo by Bruce Hazelton

And the team's confidence is rising as the season progresses; up next Sunday at the HDC, Red Bull New York.

"Even when we were two down I wasn't scared, I thought we could come back," Kljestan said. "It's a little step for us and on Sunday we have a big chance to move into first place (in the West)."

Chivas USA beat writer Ivan Orozco has the full report on a game. only 9,306 (and that includes prepaid club seats) were there to see.

This team deserves better.